Premier League Round-Up: 26th June

As the countdown continues to the start of the 2013/14 Premier League season, we take a look at the news surrounding Palace's top flight rivals.

ARSENAL

French international centre-back Laurent Koscielny has quashed rumours linking him with a move away from Arsenal.

The 27-year-old has reportedly become a target for European champions Bayern Munich and Spanish giants Barcelona, after impressing for the Gunners last season.

But the former Lorient defender says he intends to stay at the Emirates.

Koscielny told French newspaper, La Montagne: “I have a four-year contract. For now, I am still at Arsenal.”

CHELSEA

Under-fire Chelsea striker Fernando Torres has urged fans to judge him on his current form.

The Spanish international broke the British transfer record when he joined the Blues for £50m from Liverpool in January 2011, but he struggled to live up to the price tag.

Despite falling out of favour at Stamford Bridge, and with his national team, Torres hit 23 goals in all competitions last season as Chelsea won the Europa League and finished third in the Premier League.

He told Sky Sports News: “I think that everyone has in their heads my first year at Chelsea, which was not good, more than reality itself.

“I am pleased with my performances, although I demanded an awful lot more from myself. Things are returning to normality for me.”

Meanwhile, Blues boss Jose Mourinho has strengthened his front line after completing the signing of Bayer Leverkusen striker, Andre Schurrle.

LIVERPOOL

Liverpool have completed the signing of Sunderland goalkeeper Simon Mignolet.

The Belgium international arrives at Anfield for an undisclosed fee, believed to be £9m.

The 25-year-old put pen to paper on a long-term deal to become Brendan Rodgers' fourth summer signing, following the arrivals of Kolo Toure, Luis Alberto and Iago Aspas.

Rodgers told the club’s website: “I am delighted that we have been able to sign one of the top goalkeepers in the Barclays Premier League.

“Simon will join a club that will give him an opportunity to demonstrate and improve his huge talent.”

MANCHESTER CITY

Manchester City have agreed to sell Carlos Tevez to Italian Serie A champions Juventus, after agreeing a fee in the region of £12m.

The 29-year-old is expected in Turin today to complete a medical and discuss personal terms, after the Old Lady offered a package including £10m up front plus bonuses for his services.

Tevez joined City from their local rivals Manchester United on a five-year contract, in July 2009.

He has made 148 appearances for the club, scoring 73 goals, picking up the Premier League title and an FA Cup winners medal during his time at the Etihad.

NEWCASTLE UNITED

Newcastle owner Mike Ashley says he will listen to offers for the north-east club.

The Sports Direct owner has revealed he is open to offers, although he is not actively seeking a buyer.

It is understood that Ashley is holding out for an offer that will allow him to recoup all of the money he has spent in his six years in charge at St James' Park.

According to the latest Deloitte Annual Review of Football Finance, that figure stands at £267m.

WEST BROMWICH ALBION

West Brom are among a clutch of Premier League clubs battling to sign Matej Vydra on loan, according to the player’s agent.

The young Udinese striker impressed during a season-long spell at Watford last season, claiming the Championship Player of the Year award as the Hornets reached the play-off final – where they were defeated by Palace.

Now his representative, Ondrej Chovanec, has hinted of a move to the Premier League after meeting with Giampaolo Pozzo, owner of both Watford and Udinese.

Chovanec told a Czech website: “We agreed that none of the offers (for a permanent transfer) are in the region that would interest Udinese.

“They don't want to sell him for £8million, so they have given us freedom to discuss loan spells with the Premier League clubs that are interested.

“At the moment we have offers from four Premier League clubs - West Brom, West Ham, Swansea and Sunderland.”